Article:

In a dramatic shift of power dynamics within Myanmar, ethnic rebels have emerged as the foremost potential threat to the ruling military junta, three years after a coup triggered a civil war. While international attention has largely focused on pro-democracy forces led by exiled members of the ousted civilian government, it is the ethnic rebels, in alliance with them, who are shaping the trajectory of the conflict, according to security analysts. These rebels, armed with troops, weapons, and control over territory, have recently achieved significant victories, pushing the junta into its most vulnerable position since the coup.

The Karen National Union (KNU), Myanmar's oldest and one of its most powerful ethnic armed groups, has become a key player in this evolving landscape. Washington Post journalists visited the KNU's undisclosed headquarters, where hundreds of soldiers surrounded a clearing functioning as their base. The KNU, fighting for the rights of the ethnic Karen people for 74 years, was the first rebel group to oppose the coup. It reestablished attacks on military positions and has armed and trained insurgents from various ethnic backgrounds, including the Bamar majority.

The coordinated attacks led by the alliance of rebel groups in northern Shan state have forced the military to publicly cede control over major townships, highlighting the crucial role of ethnic insurgents in the conflict. The KNU's armed wing, known as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), now boasts over 10,000 troops and has expanded its influence in western and southern Myanmar, seeking to disrupt key trade routes and sever the military's main link between Naypyidaw and Yangon. Additionally, the KNU has dispatched fighters to the heartland of Bamar, transforming former military strongholds into zones of fierce combat.

The collaboration between pro-democracy insurgents and battle-hardened rebels, a phenomenon of unprecedented scale in Myanmar, presents a significant challenge to the military junta. However, the military has responded with hundreds of airstrikes on KNU territory, endangering both civilian populations and rebel command centers. Despite these attacks, the KNU remains resilient and has managed to strengthen its defenses, with a hospital that was once understaffed now staffed with around 30 former government medical center employees, treating both civilians and soldiers.

As the conflict unfolds, the KNU leaders, many of whom have dedicated their lives to the revolution, reflect on the sacrifices made by their comrades. The cemetery where fallen Karen soldiers are laid to rest serves as a reminder of the long-standing battle for peace. With generations of rebels continuing the fight, KNU leaders acknowledge the challenges ahead and the uncertainty of victory, but their commitment to the cause remains unwavering.

In conclusion, the rise of ethnic rebels in Myanmar's Southeast has reshaped the power dynamics in the country and poses a significant threat to the military junta. The KNU, along with other ethnic armed groups, has achieved battlefield successes and expanded their influence, challenging the military's control. As the conflict escalates, the international community continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in Myanmar.